Deadline Approaching for 80th Bailiwick Liberation Day Poetry Submissions

Residents of the Bailiwick of Guernsey have until the close of December to submit a poem that commemorates, reflects upon, and celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Bailiwick’s liberation. Guernsey Arts announced its 2025 Poetry Open event in November. This announcement initiated a series of planned events and invited islanders to contribute poetry for inclusion in a commemorative anthology. The selected poems will be utilized to produce a commemorative book marking the 80th anniversary of the island’s liberation, which occurred in 1945. Jade Kershaw, a community and public realm officer, conveyed that all participants are welcome. She stated: “Guernsey Arts is really excited about the programme of events we have planned for 2025, and the Liberation 80th Poetry Open is shaping up to be a great resource for documenting thoughts on occupation and liberation 80 years on.” She added: “Poetry is a great, accessible artform that anyone can try; we’d love to see entries not just from established poets but also those who would call themselves beginners.” Poets are required to submit their entries by 31 December. Submissions can be written in English or in Guernesiais, the island’s patois language. Readers can follow BBC Guernsey on X and Facebook. Story ideas may be sent to channel.islands@bbc.co.uk. This content is copyrighted by BBC 2024. All rights are reserved. The BBC is not responsible for the content of external sites. Information regarding its approach to external linking is available.